THE ROYAL AFFAIR

THE BIRTHDAY PARTY

The next morning Shnaya and Vikram had their coffee and tea in silence. Both were reluctant to mention last night .

"Shnaya do you need anything for tomorrow ? I can ask designers to come over?"

"No thanks . Vishal has taken care of all that I need " after saying this Shnaya turned silent because she realised that Vikram may take it the wrong way .

Vikram 's eyes were glowing red when he heard what Shnaya had to say ,"I am glad that you are satisfied by Vishal services.I never knew he was more efficient than me"

Shnaya went to meet the Maharani to ask if something was needed to be done tomorrow .However the Maharani had a surprise for . her.

Maharani gave her a very heavy polki and gold set to wear the next day . She told Shnaya that it was a family heirloom and wa s passed on to the eldest daughter in law .

"Mom this is so pretty . I love it and promise to take care of it "

"Beta for the time being this is for you but I hope that soon I get some good news from both of you and this is passed on eventually "

Shnaya blushed on hearing this .

The Maharani and Shnaya then went around checking all the arrangements for the next day . Vikram had left for office so Shnaya took lunch with the Maharaj and Maharani .

Vishal too was conspicuous by his absence .

He came back around tea time , found Shnaya sitting in the garden alone .

"Penny for your thoughts "

"Hi Vishal where were you today ?"

"I was busy at office. You should have seen Vikram bhaiya . He was in such a foul mood . I felt he was specifically mad at me "

"Why did you call yesterday night ?"

"Oh that . I was worried for you . Vikram bhaiya seemed to be mad so I was scared that he might hurt you "

"No he was the perfect gentleman with me "

"If you had been my wife I would never behave as a perfect gentleman. Hats off to him to leave such a beautiful wife and go for business trips. Well its RohitS birthday and he has invited me to come over . Infact he invited both of us but since Vikram's back I suppose I'll go alone "

Shnaya felt guilty. Rohit had treated her so well . It was a shame she couldn't attend his birthday party .

She asked Vishal to wait and asked the Maharani if Vikram would be back for dinner .

Vikram was to be late so Shnaya decided to go with Vishal.

She dressed in a long maxi dress as it was just a few friends.

When they reached Rohit's restaurant there was no one . Rohit said it would just be four of them his fiancee, Vishal and Shnaya.

There would be no guests tonight .

The food was delicious with many of Shnaya's favourites. Rohits fiancee Shweta was Shnaya's age so they got along well .

After snacks they got up to dance . Vishal asked her if she would dance with him . Shnaya was reluctant but then agreed.

Vishal was a good dancer and shnaya enjoyed the dance . However sometimes she felt a little awkward when he pulled her towards him as already they were dancing too close to her comfort.

They sat down to another round of delicious food .

"Rohit and Shweta thanks for a wonderful evening . The food and company was the best " thanked Shnaya .

"Not so soon . We should get together again . What about next week ? You know this is the first time I have met such an amiable girlfriend of Vishal ?"

Shnaya was shocked ,"Didn't Vishal tell you I am his bhabhi . I am Vikram's wife"

"I am so sorry . I didn't know . Actually the two of you look so good together and I can see Vishal is smitten with you .Anyway you both are welcome anytime "

It was around 10 PM when they started for home . Shnaya was quiet the whole way . On reaching the palace he asked ,

"Shnaya you haven't spoken a word since you sat in the car ? What happened?Something wrong ?"

"Did you know Shweta thought we are a couple? "

"So what . It doesn't matter to me "

"But it matters to me "

"I think we shouldn't go out for dinner together like this Vishal"

"But I enjoyed being with you . You are my first real friend with whom I don't need to behave as a prince . I can be my real self "he captured her hand in his hand .

She tried to remove her hand from his grip but he continued," Shnaya promise me you wouldn't let anyone come in between our friendship. Our friendship means the world to me "

He was literally begging her . This was a new Vishal who scared her .

"Ok I promise " saying this she ran to her wing .

Maharani had seen the entire scene and she decided on the spot to stop this friendship once for all .